Hrithik Roshan’s cousin Pashmina’s debut: Papa Rajesh Roshan says, ‘Becoming an actor today is like climbing a mountain’ – Exclusive – Times of India

Pashmina Roshan shared the happy news on Instagram with an announcement video. The text read: “In 2003, true love was found. In 2023, get ready to reboot/rebound.” In the caption, Pashmina said, “It feels like years of austerity and hard work is finally bearing fruits. I’m extremely excited, nervous and elated to bring to you my first experience on screen: When relationships can be found on apps, and lost over a chat, you know that love needs an upgrade. ISHQ VISHK REBOUND. It’s time to move on.”

The time was right to talk to Rajesh Roshan, who has given us lilting tunes. We at ETimes reached out to him QUICKLY and EXCLUSIVELY. Here is the conversation that transpired:

Congratulations on your daughter’s maiden film, ‘Ishq Vishk Rebound’

Thank you so much.

Did she always want to become an actor?

It began around the time she was in 9th standard. She was doing a play in her school and she was supposed to come down the stage in a particular shot and intermingle with the crowd. I was artistically and emotionally floored. We felt she had it in her to become an actor. But later, as she grew up, she wanted to go and study abroad.

And then?

I used to be very worried about how she would manage alone. One day, she was getting ready to go to a party and I asked her if she would consider acting in films as a career.

She was in two minds after that whether she should go abroad or act here. Somehow she started getting inclined towards acting. She joined Nadira Babbar’s acting classes and then trained at the Barry John institute. At the Barry John institute, she did an English play wherein she was too good. Rakesh and Hrithik too came to see the play. She has also learnt dancing from Saroj Khan. But I tell you, it is very difficult to become an actor and today’s times; it is like climbing a mountain. Back in the day, it was different. Actors didn’t have to focus so much on fitness as they do today. Where did they have any 6 packs, 8 packs and flat stomachs? All said and done you will do well if you have the talent in you. Nothing matches original talent. You can rehearse singing for 20 hours in a day, but can that make you a Kishore Kumar?

So Pashmina too went through tough terrain?

Of course. My daughter went through her struggle and underwent many auditions. Today, even the selection of the actor is not made in the manner it was done earlier. Today if Ramesh Sippy signs Hrithik Roshan, Hrithik too will have to audition for his part in the avatar that he is required to play. Then the producer and director of his film will analyse his audition.

Did Pashmina have to lose weight?

Yes. Look at not just the female actors of yesteryears but even the male actors; weight was not a criterion then. So Pashmina didn’t have to lose weight for the ‘Ishq Vishk’ role per se but yes she had to lose some weight.

Aajkal kitna jyaada hai- raat ko kuch nahin khaana hai (not to eat at night time), no consumption of sweet things at any point. Add this to the number of hours young actors spend at the gym, almost every day.

Does Pashmina go to Rakesh Roshan and Hrithik for getting acting tips?

No. But they both have motivated her. Hrithik has been like a mentor to her. But at the end of the day, it’s not just motivation but your own lagan (dedication). In my music line, yes we take care of our voice- but at least we can sleep at whatever time we want, get up at whatever time we want, and we don’t have to measure and eat each and everything.